Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly Home. The artists are able to emulate the heavenly melodies and the beauties from above and try to express them on Earth as much as they can through their physical instrument and vocals. Sufism is a noble and beautiful branch of Islamic faith that is practiced in various regions across the world. Sufism focuses on the inward search for God and spiritual development of the soul. Because of so, Sufism is often referred to as Islamic mysticism. Today, let us enjoy a few devotional songs of Sufism.

The “World Tour 2018” was very impressive with the 39 “Small Island Big Song” concerts garnering over 100,000 attendees. The musician and dance troupe from eight island nations covered 20 cities in 12 countries on four continents! When we looked out at that stage and they were all such strong, proud musicians who are absolutely respected cultural voices and it was so humbling for us to be amongst those people and for them to be standing up on stage and the presence that they bring, because it’s not just them, they’re all representing this lineage, and they’re aware of that, too, when they’re standing there. The respect (they have) for each other.

Today is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, and to mark the occasion, we are excited to share with you an introduction to an extraordinary album celebrating unity, music and traditional culture. “Small Island Big Song” that unites indigenous island musicians who share an ancient seafaring ancestry across the two oceans. The album was composed and recorded in nature, on the artists’ custodial land, with all songs featuring only traditional instruments and lyrics in indigenous languages. Over a hundred musicians from 16 island nations are showcased.

In fact, their firm belief is that they are the guardians of the heart of the world. With deep spiritual insight. Seeking to uplift global awareness on the vital need to safeguard the environment, the Kogi worked with BBC filmmaker Alan Ereira to make a 1990 film entitled “From the Heart of the World: The Elder Brothers’ Warning.” The work’s message is clear - the Kogi are gravely concerned about the future of our planet, and we, their “younger brothers,” must change our ways to protect the Earth.

Guelaguetza represents the longstanding, great occasion where native Oaxacans worshipped the ancient goddess of maize “Xilonen.” In order to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming months, the people would gather and hold ceremonies and rituals. The modern-day festival is dedicated to the goddess of maize called “Centeotl”. The word “Guelaguetza” comes from a Zapotec term meaning “reciprocal exchange of gifts and services.” In other words, it is an event celebrating the spirit of sharing and giving, which is what makes a family, community, and county strong.

The word Wayúu means “person” or “people.” They’re Colombia’s largest indigenous ethnic group. The Wayúu live very traditional lives and are known for vibrantly colored weaving patterns and designs. The Wayúu consider Mareiwa to be one of their most important deities. This goddess symbolizes female protection, and woman have an essential position within this culture. In fact, the clans are matrilineal, with the names and lineages passed down through the mothers. The Wayúu woman plays a fundamental role in culture, as the transmitter of culture and a vital part of Wayúu society.

The traditional architecture of a country reflects its unique culture, and even spiritual attainment to a certain degree. As early as the Yayoi period (300 BC - 300 AD), the ancient Japanese constructed storage houses called Kura, as Buddhism grew in popularity, Kura evolved into large - scale Buddhist temples. One of the most unique features of Japanese architecture is Gassho - Zukuri, a roof resembling Buddhist praying hands pointed to the sky. Japanese architecture is strongly influenced by Zen ideology and there is great emphasis on integrating nature into building designs. Influenced by Zen Buddhist teachings of peace and simplicity, the Japanese people love their living space clean, uncluttered, and in order.

The first song is called “Igwe”. God Almighty who does good, God whom I am proud of, Igwe, Igwe, Only You are God. Our next song is “Great and Mighty”. Great and Mighty are You Jesus, Glory to the Lamb of God. Lord we lift our hands in worship. We magnify Your Holy Name. Our last song “By and By” is a lively Reggae Gospel. Send the Light, send the Light. Oh, Lord Jehovah. Send the Light into my soul.

Capture the unique enchanting traditions of the remarkable Wodaabe people of Africa, the largest nomadic ethnic group on earth. The gentle Wodaabe people often migrate in search of resources and trading opportunities. On average, the group move every three days. The Wodaabe adhere to the Islamic faith but also believe in the existence of spirits that reside in the natural environment, such as forests, rivers, mountains and oceans. The Wodaabe observe a strict code of conduct, designed to help guide the behavior of community members. May the Divine protect the beautiful Wodaddbe people of Africa.

In this landscape of green mountains and clear rivers, apart from the heavenly chorus of the Dong people, the folk songs of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups are also well known. March 3rd of the lunar calendar is the date of one of the most splendid traditional festivals for the Zhuang ethnic group. On this day, men and women as well as children and the elderly costumes to participate in the Folk Song Fair of the Double Third Festival. Through songs, they pray for favorable weather as well as pay tribute to their ancestors and the gods. Zhuang villages are known as “the sea of songs.” Zhuang singers are all masters of language. They converse with each other through songs and express their hearts by singing.

Originating in Chain’s Spring and Autumn as well as the Waring States periods, the Dong Grand Song is a homophonic, ancient Dong folk chorus without accompaniment. One of its features is the imitation of sounds found in nature. The Dong do not have a written language. Since olden times, their folklore, history and song lyrics have all been passed on through oral transmission. There is a saying among the Dong tribes, “Rice nourishes the body; song nourish the heart.” For the Dong people, songs play a significant role in their lives; it is how they express their hearts and culture.

As we continue our exploration of the Mapuche people in Chile and Argentina. The Mapuche traditionally lived in houses called rukas. The rukas were made of local materials. Like most aspects of their culture, music, singing and dance reflect the Mapuchen world view that they exist to live in harmony with everything around them- the earth, plants, animals and neighbors near and far. Many of the dances imitate and honor the animals that inhabit their environment. Let’s look at one of the more uplifting traditional dances.

The Mapuche have resided in modern day Argentina and Chile for over 2500 years. They make up the largest group of indigenous people in Chile, accounting for approximately 10% of the population. Another 300,000 reside in Argentina. The rituals and cultural traditions of the Mapuche people are designed to enable them to live in harmony with the stars, the earth and all her inhabitants. They believe humans and all animals, from the largest to the smallest insect, can only exist through the grace of a higher spiritual power. Humans are also viewed as essential and integral parts of everything that surrounds them, in the skies and on the earth.

In today's show, we are privileged to introduce to you three lrish songs. Our first song is "Be Thou My vision," an 8th century lrish hymn sung to the music of lrish folk song "Slane." Our next song is called "Between the Master and I" sung in Gaelic and English by Katie McMahon, an acclaimed lrish singer at the loving the Silent Tears concert in 2012 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, the California, USA. Our last song is based on a famous lrish Blessing for travelers, "May the Road Rise to Meet You."

The indigenous Brazilians have had a strong spiritual connection to the land for many years. Living closely with nature, the various tribes have relied upon the Mother Earth that has provided them with nourishment, healing plants and herbs, and inspirational beauty. There are approximately 305 indigenous tribes in Brazil, pass on their knowledge to the next generation orally through the telling of stories, as well as taking part in rituals. As well as sustaining life and health, the land serves as the resting place for their loved ones and the future for their children.

Buddhism has been a part of Korean culture for over 2,000 years and its deep influence is evident in Korea’s magnificent temples, paintings, literature, statues of great Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and non-violent vegan temple food. In addition, Buddhism has enriched the songs and instrumental music of Korea. Buddhist prayer chants have long been played as offerings at traditional sacred ceremonies. Buddha’s enlightened teachings such as detachment, letting go and compassion have also inspired many modern-day musicians. On today’s program, we’re excited to present three contemporary Buddhist songs. The first is “When the Wind Comes”. Our next pieces are “ An Amazing Lotus Flower”, “The Waiting Heart”.

The Qom believe that the Creator is the Ultimate Giver, and that all of creation has invisible spiritual beings as caretakers. Each “vital space,” that is, each forest, swamp, river, and grassland-and each animal, fruit, or plant to be harvested - has a spiritual guardian. On the land(Gran Chaco), there is a spirit that takes care of the land, takes care of the animals, lives in the water and takes care. To the Qom people, life depends on maintaining a balance and peaceful harmony with all the created world, including with the spiritual guardians.

Since ancient times, humans have expressed their love and longing for God through singing and music. These holy songs connect us with the Divine and remind us of our heavenly home. In a sense, these blessed singers and songwriters are the messengers of God helping deliver sacred messages in all musical genres. Supreme Master Ching Hai once expressed the following praise for these artists: The artists are able to emulate the heavenly melodies and the beauties from above and try to express them on Earth as much as they can through their physical instrument and vocal. Because in Heaven, everything is so glorious and beyond imagination — full of Divine light and celestial sounds of music.

Walk-about was about learning, looking, listening, learning. Walk-about was about the song lines. So, these were pathways. These song lines were like pathways though the country. And along these song lines, we would dance and sing. At the same time the uncles will be pointing out certain trees, the names of them and the purpose for them. And one song line could entail walking for most of the day just doing song and dance. And then at night we would stop at a camp fire. And then the uncles would sit around, and share certain stories about the songs that we were just singing along them song lines.

A highly valued service of Muru Mittigar is how it weaves a powerful sense of connection, community, culture, and identity within the Aboriginal community. To average people it is very important because it is who we are, what we do. Culture is a very good part of our identity, so we have to stay connected with our culture. So when we do, these laws, three simple laws: respect each other, respect the animals, and respect the land, gave us a spiritual connection to everything.